Did I ever show you what my sweet husband brought me from his trip to the Shepherds’ Conference last month?

J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on John! All. Three. Volumes. I can’t wait to jump in. (Yes, he got them over a month ago, and I’ve yet to crack the spine on any of them. However, I think I have a pretty cute excuse.)

And, joining J.C. Ryle…

Why We’re Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be), by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck – A Christmas present from my sweet husband. Yes, he knows my love language. Oh, books isn’t an “official” love language? Well, it is in this house!

Worship: The Ultimate Priority, by John MacArthur – My husband is currently reading the copy he received at the Shepherds’ Conference, and keeps telling me I need to read it. However, we don’t do too well sharing books, because, I am (overly) fond of my yellow highlighter, and he doesn’t like his books to glow in the dark. Thankfully, another copy recently appeared in our mailbox (courtesy of Grace to You, I believe).

Raising Real Men, by Hal and Melanie Young – This was sent to me by my new friend, Melanie, who is a mother of 6 boys (and 2 girls). Being brand new to the world of boys, I loved this quote from the back cover: “A practical guide to equipping the hearts and minds of boys without breaking or losing your own.”

(In comparison to other months, this is actually a somewhat abbreviated list. Especially when you consider the fact that I have already finished two of them, and, aside from my Bible reading, I’ve just barely started the others.)

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The Bible (ESV) – I am continuing with Professor Grant Horner’s Reading System. With a few breaks here and there, I have been using this system for a couple of years now, and it is by far my favorite!!

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Uneclipsing the Son, by Rick Holland

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Choosing Gratitude, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

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1776, by David McCullough

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A Love That Multiplies, by Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar – This book chronicles the premature birth, and health challenges of the Duggar’s youngest child, Josie. It also looks at how the trials and difficulties of that experience both challenged and strengthened their faith, and their family.

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Choosing to SEE, by Mary Beth Chapman – Mary Beth (wife of singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman) shares a glimpse into her life. She candidly shares about her childhood, her struggles, her battle with depression, their adoption journeys, and the tragic death of one of her young daughters. It is not an easy read. But, even though it deals with some difficult subjects, I was surprised, at times, to find myself actually laughing out loud as I read. This book is sad. But, through the sadness and darkness, there are glimmers of hope…

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(The last two books on this list were probably not the wisest choices in reading material…given my current state! The topics are emotional to begin with. And I have never been good at handling the “children in peril” plotline – whether fact or fiction. But, add pregnancy hormones and heightened emotions to the mix, and…well, you have the perfect emotional storm!)

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In addition to my nightstand…

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The majority of my “reading time” has been consumed with these books:

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These are my new “teacher edition” books. I have been spending quite a bit of time getting to know them, and creating schedules and lesson plans in preparation for, and anticipation of our first day of school!!

Really? It is time for the May edition of “What’s on Your Nightstand?” How is that even possible?! Where have the weeks (and months!) gone?

Oh, right. They were lost somewhere in the sea of cardboard moving boxes, and the general chaos of settling in to a new home and town.

How long do you think I’ll be able to milk that excuse? Because, it’s been almost 5 months…I think I’ve got at least one more “blame it on the move” month before it becomes obsolete. What do you think?

Actually, some (not all!) of the after-move chaos has passed, and, we have been able to settle in to something that is beginning to resemble a normal routine. It has been lovely!

What was not so lovely, once all the books were unpacked, and placed on their respective shelves (organized by genre, and then alphabetically by author, of course) was the startling revelation that I had read every single book I own (or, I was in the process of finishing up the few that I hadn’t).

So, my husband took pity on me. Within a matter of days, new books began arriving in our mailbox! (Yep, he’s a keeper!!) So, I have a nice little stack on my nightstand once again…

The Bible, ESV

Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth, by Albert Mohler – I always appreciate Al Mohler’s thoroughly biblical approach to current events and trends. In this book, he addresses issues like politics, terrorism, natural disasters, abortion, public schools… I’m only a few pages in, and already, I’m hooked. Looking forward to the rest!

Your Child’s Profession of Faith, by Dennis Gundersen – I wholeheartedly believe that it is possible for young children to be genuinely saved. (I was.) However, I also believe that it is possible for young children to make professions of salvation that are not rooted in genuine belief in Christ as Savior. (I’ve seen many childhood professions recanted, as well.) So, what is a parent to do? I want, more than anything in this world, for my daughter to know and love Christ as her Savior. But, I also do not want to be guilty of coaxing, or rejoicing at a false decision. “I am very sympathetic to the concerns about misleading children into considering themselves saved individuals…The deceptive dangers of false profession are abundant…But do not allow your zeal for avoiding those to dampen you passion for your children’s conversion.” (pg. 24)

A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love, by Milton Vincent – We have a number of duplicates on our bookshelves. Some might see it as extravagant, and perhaps it is. This is one of them. This little book has been on our shelves for some time, but “technically” it belonged to my husband. We do occasionally share books (though not often, because I like highlighters, and my husband does not). But, every time I picked up this one, and tried to begin reading it, it disappeared. And, I would find it in my husband’s bag, or on his desk, or at his office. He was reading it…again. Anything that he found that compelling simply had to be added to my list. But, in order to maintain peace, we opted for a second copy.

The Family Daughter: Becoming Pillars of Strength In Our Father’s House, by Sarah L. Bryant – This actually goes in the already completed column. I won’t say much about it here…but be on the lookout for a more thorough review in the near future.

Joyfully at Home: A Book for Young Ladies on Vision and Hope, by Jasmine Baucham – I, obviously, am not longer in the “target audience” for this book. I am married, and a homemaker (by both choice and conviction). So, why in the world am I even interested in this book? I discovered Jasmine’s blog (by the same title) a little over a year ago, after reading the book that led her to the decision to become a “stay-at-home daughter.” While I appreciated her father’s preaching and writing ministry, I also appreciated that Jasmine seemed to have her own unique voice, opinions, and convictions on her blog, and was not simply parroting what she had been taught. So, when I discovered that she was writing a book based on her blog, I was excited to hear what she had to say…because, while I may no longer be in her shoes, I have a daughter who will be, someday.

Texas Gardener’s Resource: All You Need to Know to Plan, Plant, & Maintain a Texas Garden – We (well, I) am new to Texas. And, I don’t know the first thing about keeping a plant alive. However, it seems mandatory that, if you live in Texas, you plant a garden. And, at the very least, it must include tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and cucumbers. None of which I have ever grown before. I tried to plant a bean sprout once…my cat ate it. (Yes, I was 4. And yes, it scarred me for life!) All that to say, if our fledgling garden has any hope of survival, I am going to need all the help I can get! And, this book seems to have it all!!

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What is on your nightstand (or, your reading list) for this month? I’d love to know!!

I’ll blame it on our recent move (because I still can, and I’m going to milk this excuse for all it’s worth!)… There isn’t much on my nightstand right now. Usually, I love to have several books going at once. But, at the moment, there are a few other things vying for my time and attention…things like finding my way to and from the grocery store, unpacking and organizing our house, to name a few. So, maybe this month, you will forgive me for a (very) short list… Plus, I don’t think I have unpacked all of our books yet!!

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But, when I tire of the boxes…this is what is occupying my time:

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The Bible: Probably the only always-constant on the list. As it should be. I have gone back to Prof. Horner’s Reading Plan. It really is one of the best Bible Reading plans, or systems that I have found – especially in this chaotic season of life! While I’ve loved the Bible in 90 Days, this plan does not possess the same “pressure” to “keep up.” If you are looking for a new Bible reading plan (New Year’s resolution, maybe?), please, check this one out!

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Slave:The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ, by John MacArthur: I saw the “trailer” for this book several months ago. And, I have been anxiously awaiting it’s arrival ever since. (Is it just me, or does anyone else think it is kind of funny that books now have trailers like movies?) I’ve already posted several quotes (here and on Facebook) since starting the book on Thursday. I am only about halfway through, and already I can say that it is, so, so good!

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Expository Thoughts on Luke (vol. 2), by J.C. Ryle: This one I am taking (very) slowly. Sadly, it has been misplaced in the moving mess, so it has been a little slower than I had originally planned! But, J.C. Ryle’s clear and insightful observations are just as applicable and relevant to life today, in 21st century America as they were in 19th century England. (I believe there are 7 of these commentaries, and someday, I would love to have all of them!)

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Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism:The Battle for Gospel Preaching, by Iain Murray: I “stole” this from my husband shortly after he returned from the Shepherd’s Conference last year. He hasn’t gotten it back yet. Here is a little glimpse as to why: “Christians have trials of many kinds but Spurgeon believed that peace of mind comes from faith in the Word of God in all circumstances and on all occasions. Spiritual stability and the right use of Scripture go together: ‘Ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you’ (1 John 2:14). ‘A true love for the great Book will bring us great peace from the great God. Nothing is a stumbling block to the man who has the Word of God dwelling in him richly.'” (pg. 24)

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A Lamp for My Feet:The Bible’s Light for Daily Living, by Elisabeth Elliot: One of the few books by my all-time favorite author that I have not yet read! This is a six-month “devotional.” A collection of short reflections for each day, from her own reading and study of God’s Word. (Confession time? I do not read only the selection for the day. I can’t. I am guilty of reading multiple days- or even months-worth in one sitting!)

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Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder: This is our current read-aloud book…so it isn’t exactly on my nightstand (not that any of them ever are!), but I am counting it, because I loved the Little House books as a child, and I am enjoying sharing them with Hannah! And, she is absolutely fascinated by Laura and Mary! She even got several My First Little House Books for Christmas… She loves that she gets to read about Laura and Mary on her own! These books, if you haven’t seen or heard of them, are selections from the longer books, and beautifully illustrated!

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In talking with some new friends the other night, the conversation turned to books, and what we were each currently reading. And, let me tell you, their lists were quite impressive! I got some great suggestions to add to my to-be-read list. But, in the course of the conversation, I was reminded that I don’t read much fiction….or, rather, I should probably say, I don’t read any fiction. But, while I consider theology and non-fiction books “fun” reading, I probably need to temper my reading list with some more creative, lighter, “recreational” titles. Any suggestions?

Once again, the ladies over at 5 Minutes for Books are asking, What’s on Your Nightstand? Although I hardly ever remember in time to actually participate, this is one of my favorite memes! As I’ve said before, my books rarely stay on my nightstand…they are often scattered throughout the house, in the car, and my purse… But, this is what I am reading (or hoping to read!) this month:

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Expository Thoughts on Luke (volume 2), by J.C. Ryle: I haven’t read volume one yet…but in this case, I think jumping in somewhere in the middle is perfectly acceptable. He starts with The Lord’s Prayer, in Luke 11, and shares his insights and wisdom through the remainder of the book. J.C. Ryle is rapidly becoming a favorite. In a day and age where relevance is valued above biblical accuracy, Ryle is both.

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Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism, by Iain H. Murray: My husband picked this up at The Shepherd’s Conference earlier this year. I stole it from him. Very interesting…and although this book addresses a controversy that took place well over 100 years ago, the topic is just as relevant today.

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Brokenness: The Heart God Revives, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss: I suppose this book belongs in a “To Be Read” pile, as I have not started this yet. But, I greatly enjoyed Holiness, which I recently discovered is one of a 3-part set (including this, and one other, Surrender), so I picked up the other 2. I was told that Holiness was to be read last, but I cannot remember which was supposed to be read first. So, because a dear friend has inspired me to pray for revival (personally, in my immediate and extended family, my church, and our state and nation), I chose this one. Very much looking forward to it!

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Discipline: The Glad Surrender, by Elisabeth Elliot: A favorite. This is one of the books that I try to read at least once a year. With the “official” start of our homeschooling journey, I felt in need of a “refresher course” in this area (in other words, a swift kick to the seat of the pants!).

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The Children Trap: Biblical Principles for Education, by Robert Thoburn: Being a homeschooling mom, this is an interesting book, because the author argues, not, as you might expect, for homeschooling, but for Christian schooling. However, I do agree (so far) with many of his observations and conclusions regarding the state of public (or as he calls it, government) education, and the need for strong Christian education.

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Beautiful Girlhood, revised by Karen Andreola: Another that I am only a few pages into… I picked this up at our recent homeschooling convention. It may seem a bit premature to be reading a book on the transition from girlhood to womanhood when my daughter is barely of kindergarten age, but I know it will come all too soon….

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Feminine by Design: The Twelve Pillars of Biblical Womanhood, by Scott Brown: (In the photo, this is the book without a title on the spine.) This book, I picked up at the NCFIC Reforming Church and Family Road Trip. This book is full of practical, biblical insight into what true biblical womanhood and femininity look like. And, I realize that my daughter is young, but I want to instill in her early a passion for biblical womanhood, and a desire to follow God’s design and call on her life.

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The Heart of Homeschooling: Teaching and Living What Really Matters, by Christopher Klicka: This book has been recommended to me many times by more experienced homeschoolers. I am only in chapter 3, but I already appreciate the author’s focus on what Scripture says. With each challenge, question, or difficulty he quickly points the reader back to God’s Word for the answer. I am looking forward to the rest!

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Worldly Saints: The Puritans as they Really Were, by Leland Ryken: This poor book has been “on my nightstand” for quite some time…. And, yet, each month it reappears, unread. And, after finally opening it, and beginning to read, I have no idea why it took me so long. I know that the Puritans are caricatured as boring, conceited, self-righteous, religious fanatics. And, the term is still used in derogatory fashion today. But, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I love the Puritan authors and pastors! And, I have enjoyed learning more about their passions and practices in almost every area of their daily lives through this book. J.I. Packer, in the Foreward, says that, even with our supposed sophistication, we need the Puritans today. He describes them (and us) in this way: “We are spiritual dwarfs. The Puritans, by contrast, as a body were giants. They were great souls serving a great God. In them, clear-headed passion and warm-hearted compassion combined. Visionary and practical, idealistic and realistic too, goal-oriented and methodical, they were great believers, great hopers, great doers, and great sufferers.”

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So, in addition to wading through a giant stack of homeschool curriculum (lesson plans!), that is what is on my nightstand! What are you reading?

Welcome, friends!

I am a {pastor’s} wife, homemaker, and {homeschooling} mommy to 3 (soon to be four!). Most of my time is spent teaching, training, and treasuring my children, and tending to the care of our home...Usually with a cup of {strong!} coffee in hand. My days are full, but my life is far from complicated!